BudgetTravel

Annandale, N.J.: My husband, my daughter and I are leaving for Ireland in two weeks. We've rented a car for the two weeks. What does gasoline cost in Ireland these days?

Anto Howard: Ireland is suffering the same nasty gas hike that you've being having in the States—except we started at a much higher level! The average price in Ireland at the moment is €1.20 for a litre, but that can vary a great deal. It's €1.30 in quite a few gas stations in Dublin, and a notorious one on the South Quays of Dublin is charging €1.45. So I'd ask a local's advice on the best deal before going to fill up and in general avoid city centre gas stations. [Remember a U.S. gallon equals 3.8 litres, so average price per gallon is around €4.56 (a whopping $7.08!). I think we need a Gas Tax Break!! Check out www.pumps.ie for an update on prices across the country.]

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Norfolk, Mass.: What things would you recommend for a family (with a 14-year-old boy and 13-year-old boy-girl twins) going to Dublin, Ireland Jul 13-27, to see in the greater Dublin area? We like history and the outdoors—and it's the first trip to Ireland for all and first trip to Europe for the children.

Anto Howard: Well if you like the outdoors you need to get out of Dublin—the city centre at least. The easiest way to do that is to take the wonderful DART commuter train that hugs the coastline right around Dublin Bay and passes through some wonderful seaside towns and villages. I recommend Howth village on the north side of Dublin, and Dalkey on the south. If you are brave enough go for a life-changing swim at Vico Rock in Dalkey—cold (very cold), crystal blue water.

Wicklow, tthe county just south of Dublin, is full of mountains, lakes, and country gardens. A simple climb (a steep walk really) is the Sugar Loaf mountain not far from the stunning Powerscourt gardens. The 6th century monastic settlement of Glendalough is also in Wicklow and is a great little hike. The Wicklow Way is a series of connected hikes right through the county.

To satisfy the history buffs in you firstly do all the sights in Dublin City—including Trinity College (with the Book of Kells), Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedrals, and Kilmainham Gaol (where the leaders of the 1916 rebellion were executed). The tour guides at Kilmainham are some of the best I've ever encountered.

Then head out the Co. Meath, to the west of Dublin. Here you'll find Ireland's most impressive historical sight—Newgrange, a passage tomb much older than the pyramids and Stonehenge (we love saying that to English visitors).

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Annandale, N.J.: My husband, my daughter and I leave for Ireland in two weeks. We've booked everything on our own. Will our ATM cards work over there? Will they accept our American Express credit card there?

Anto Howard: Your ATM card will work in every machine (or just about every one). American Express is not accepted everywhere. It tends to be the more up-market hotels, shops and restaurants that take it. Visa or Mastercard are accepted everywhere that takes cards.

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